Sorry didn't word my post very well at all; Australia's definitely a fancied nation. Meant to say that I'm hoping they can get a similar result against one of the better sides (Australia included) at RWC.

Fancy them to beat the Welsh, who look in awful shape but Fiji beat Samoa a week ago or so and said Fiji side then lost to Japan. Their group D opponents, South Africa usually match up well against Island sides, can match them physically and more often than not, they beat them by just executing the basics better.

It was a great result for Samoa however it was a second string Aus side (who is Nick Phipps?) and an Aus side that approached the game like it was a Super 15 fixture. Hospital passers thrown all over the shop while their forwards were complete powderpuff - Higginbotham did a Pierre Spies and spent most of the time when he was on hanging out with the backs while the likes of Elsom and Gits are simply there on rep. Should be a different kettle of fish next week but Deans does have a shocking record as Aus coach. Losses to Scotland, Munster and now Samoa, at home, he canít afford to get turned over by a 3rd string Bok side next week.

Phipps is the Melbourne Rebels halfback - was their player of the year IIRC.

I thought Higginbotham played well given his opportunities - he is there to be a runner and linebreaker - he showed his skills in setting up Giteau and again with his grubber and chase into the corner. The issue was the tight 5 did jack all work in the forwards - which meant the flankers couldn't do their jobs as pilferers. Timani is a joke - waste of space selection that was. Vickerman looked to be the only forward who enjoyed contact and the Props did bugger all around the park (or at scrumtime).

Again though, full credit to Samoa, they beat us in every facet of play and will be a real handful come world cup if they continue to play with that amount of commitment.

When does it start? I know its later this year but not sure on when exactly.

Masta says you gone and got the fever.

I got great enjoyment shouting "WHY THE **** ISN'T THIS GAME BEING PLAYED AT THE BASIN?!>!?!?" to reasonably significant cheers from the sparse crowd

one day NZ will bring chappell to his knees in a puddle of his own tears and you'll see Phlegm on his belly greedily tasting every delicious tear before watching the hope fade from that old ****s eyes.

In 1986 we lost the Bledisloe and won the world cup in 1987. Some people feel we are going against history if we win against Aussie on Saturday night. Looking forward to the game to see the Aussie backs in action - and might cheer for Aussie.